'25 4Runner versus '25 Wrangler for long roadtrips and offroading

[dirtwheeler]

I'm buying a new vehicle specifically with the purpose of long road trips (several days to weeks) to destination with off-road trails. My conclusion was that a '25 4Runner (Off-Road Premium trim) would be better for this purpose. However, I test drove a '25 Wrangler (Rubicon X) trim at a comparable price.

My two cents is still that the 4Runner is the wiser choice for my use case, but I will give up some off-road capability from the Wrangler. For background, I'm a fairly experienced offroader, have owned several offroad vehicles (including a previous 4Runner and a current older, heavily modified Wrangler). I "feel" like the Wrangler will be noisier, less reliable, worse drive experience on freeway, not as safe on the freeway, and harder to configure for a roof-top tent. However, I know from experience that I will occasionally miss the front lockers, lower gearing, solid front axel articulation, disconnectable sway bars, and better stock clearance and approach/breakover/departure angles. I may be able to modify the 4Runner for some of these differences, but I also want to maintain warranty, freeway safety, etc.

I'm guessing others have gone through similar decisions and the opinions here will weigh heavily towards 4Runner (I've also been on Wrangler JL forums and realize the opinions will be biased toward Wrangler there).

FWIW, the reliability argument is big for me. Toyota has a reputation for reliability. This is the first year of the 6th gen, but the powertrain has been tested in other platforms, which makes me less concerned there. I'm less concerned about the "turbo 4-banger" that you will see some hate for in places because I've read enough about the history and engineering of this engine and believe the turbo will have some advantages for the high altitude driving I routinely do. The Wrangler I am considering (but leaning away from now) has the 2.0L turbo and drove great, but I see a lot of issues reported by JL owners in forums. I almost pulled the trigger on a Wrangler before I started reading about engine issues and overall reliability issues (and road noise, leaks, etc.).

If you've contemplated this use case (4Runner versus Wrangler for long roadtrips and offroading), did you reach any different conclusions than me? What am I not thinking about?

I can walk into a dealership right now and buy my dream Wrangler Rubicon, but I suspect I'll have buyer's remorse. I can wait a little while and get the 4Runner I have on reserve, and have some remorse on the trail. I don't expect anyone on this forum to try talking me into buying a Jeep, but I'm still curious about the thoughts of other people that went through this decision before I spend roughly $60K.

Also relevant to me but less likely relevant to others... If I get a new Wrangler JL, I'll likely sell my old Wrangler TJ, whereas if I get a 4Runner, I'll hang onto the old Wrangler TJ for doing trails within a couple hours of my house (shorter trips). I'll be doing a lot of local trails, but the purpose of this new vehicle is to confidently and routinely get me to various locations across the continental US (and probably some trips to Canada as well) - and do some off-roading at these locations.

 

[Racinwith8]

Patience! Wait for the 4-Runner! My lease was up on my Limited in late 23 and I needed something for the next few years. I made the mistake of going to a Wrangler..big mistake! Going from something that was built like a tank, was bulletproof, and didn’t have a rattle one, I am currently hating life for the next year and a half until my lease is up.

If you are going to use the Jeep for your daily driver or long road trips, steer clear! Granted my 23 Wrangler is a soft top but there are so many rattle and creaks unrelated to the top. Everyone tells me it’s a Jeep, but when it stickers for 60K plus it shouldn’t have so many fit and finish issues.

The only way I’d have another Jeep is if it was an older weekend toy that I could mod. Sounds like you already have one of those.

Plus side on me selling my 4 Runner to a Toyota dealer a month before my lease was up , I put 7k in my pocket! That should also speak volumes on value retention. On the flip side, my Jeep is not currently worth its projected residual in a year and a half, so I’m stuck!

Wife’s new Sport Premium is due in about a month. We are buying this one because we hated turning our 4 Runner leases in,and regretted not buying them out right.

 

[dirtwheeler]

I've seen a lot of folks comment about the part-time four-wheel drive being an issue in ice and snow. I had full-time 4WD in my 4th gen 4Runner which was nice, but I'm driving a truck now where I have to "manually" switch back and forth between 2H and 4H (just a button I push). I'm pretty used to it and I don't mind. It can sometimes be annoying because when it snows where I live, you have to constantly drive between plowed and unplowed roads.

I think Wrangler made some improvements and I really liked how it drove (even with its with 35s), but like I said, I'm still leaning 4Runner. I didn't get the Wrangler up to freeway speeds, but I suspect it will not feel as good going 80 on it's stock 35s. My Wrangler TJ is terrifying at 75+. I remember my old 4Runner feeling pretty good, but it was a very different beast (Limited, 4.7L V8).

 

[Dead Horse]

The not-so-shabby compromise here is the Bronco. They ride a LOT better than a Jeep. Still on the noisy and rattle-trap side though, so you have to want it.

They're nice to drive around town, and if they made a fixed roof version, I'd probably already own one.

They're like 15k off MSRP around here too.

I have an older Wrangler and nothing even comes close to the Wrangler's off-road chops. But then...I don't want to do that kind of off-roading any more. And I like a reasonably quiet and comfortable cabin to commute in. That's how I wound up here

 

[dirtwheeler]

The not-so-shabby compromise here is the Bronco. They ride a LOT better than a Jeep. Still on the noisy and rattle-trap side though, so you have to want it.

They're nice to drive around town, and if they made a fixed roof version, I'd probably already own one.

They're like 15k off MSRP around here too.

I have an older Wrangler and nothing even comes close to the Wrangler's off-road chops. But then...I don't want to do that kind of off-roading any more. And I like a reasonably quiet and comfortable cabin to commute in. That's how I wound up here

I've come close to test driving one, but they kind of fell off my radar. I was pretty settled on the 4Runner, but able to get a Rubicon X priced close to the 4Runner ORP we have reserved so I have to consider it. I might wander into the Ford dealership just to check out the Broncos. Couldn't hurt I guess. I guess my thoughts are that if I was going to go that route (removable top, more trail dedicated) I'd just jump back to Wrangler because I'm more familiar with them.

 

[Dead Horse]

As a Jeep owner, I can tell you that the Bronco is a mile better for around town driving, and can do some hardcore off road stuff.

Reliability between Ford and Jeep is kind of a wash, but I'd trust Ford to fix shit more than Stellantis.

Some of the higher trims are legit 15k off. I went into a Ford dealer to test drive a used LandCruiser and they were hard selling me on a new Bronco. I'm like dude...NO. "but loooook at it!!!" Hard pass buddy.

In the lower trims, they still have some 2023s on the lots. They're desperate to sell 'em.

 

[ModernDay4Runner]

Anytime I look at lists of reliable and unreliable vehicles, multiple Toyota models are on the reliable list and multiple Jeep models are on the unreliable list - always.

 

[MJE]

Would the Land Cruiser offer more factory off roading hardware that you’re looking for? It certainly offers more than I would need as I’m not sure what most of it would do but might be worth a look to get the best of both worlds.

 

[dirtwheeler]

Would the Land Cruiser offer more factory off roading hardware that you’re looking for? It certainly offers more than I would need as I’m not sure what most of it would do but might be worth a look to get the best of both worlds.

I believe they're fulltime 4WD, but they have a center diff lock. You can also get the SDM as an option. If I wanted the hybrid I would be looking at these closer, but then I would be looking at the 4Runner Trailhunter too. I don't think you can get SDM on a non hybrid.

 

[WV76X]

I have a 4 door Bronco with Sasquatch package that adds 35s, lift and lockers. Super capable in Moab. It road trips extremely well as far as handling on the interstate. Better than my 5G ORP 4Runner. Also has the advanced 4WD that provides an auto mode which works great in snow for my daughter and wife. They don’t need to worry about taking it out of 4WD for patchy conditions.

The Bronco downside is noise. Even with the hard top, highway noise can be fatiguing. I’m considering trading for a new SR5 4Runner or my wife wants a GX550. Either way I lose massive amounts of off-road capability. Tough call.

 

[Mad Ghost]

The 4Runner 1000000 % is going to be quieter and better handling on a road trip. partially because it has a fixed roof. Even more... 1st year of a new gen or not Toyota is going to wipe the floor with jeep in reliability. I say that because it's not a new engine for Toyota.

 

[dirtwheeler]

I have a 4 door Bronco with Sasquatch package that adds 35s, lift and lockers. Super capable in Moab. It road trips extremely well as far as handling on the interstate. Better than my 5G ORP 4Runner. Also has the advanced 4WD that provides an auto mode which works great in snow for my daughter and wife. They don’t need to worry about taking it out of 4WD for patchy conditions.

The Bronco downside is noise. Even with the hard top, highway noise can be fatiguing. I’m considering trading for a new SR5 4Runner or my wife wants a GX550. Either way I lose massive amounts of off-road capability. Tough call.

I test drove a Bronco today and took it out on an Interstate. It was definetly noisy - mostly wind noise and a bit of the hum of the 35" tires. It wouldn't be a dealbreaker, but it is one of the things that's keeping me leaning toward the 4Runner. I might circle back to Jeep (or Bronco) for my next vehicle (for a newer trail vehicle) along with the 4Runner for road trips and some lighter off-offroading. There were a lot of things that impressed me about the Bronco.

 

[WV76X]

I test drove a Bronco today and took it out on an Interstate. It was definetly noisy - mostly wind noise and a bit of the hum of the 35" tires.

I did notice today in my Bronco going 80 on I-15 a lot of the noise is from the tires. Which I’m sure a lifted 4Runner on 35” all terrains would also have quite a bit of tire hum. Can’t really get around that. I just need more summer canyon drives with the hardtop off to enjoy the benefits.

 

[DustyLens]

I've never driven a Wrangler, and I wouldn't want to drive one long distances at highway speeds. But I have cousins who do that, so maybe it's not so bad.
It's a 4Runner for me.